Microsoft Teams Set to Join Android Auto Ecosystem

The magic of leaving the workplace behind as you drive away may soon be laced with a touch of office connectivity. Yes, the times when a car is simply a car is transforming, with vehicles turning into workspaces on wheels, thanks in part to Android Auto's continuous evolutions. The platform, which is taking on a life resembling that of a fully-fledged tablet, is welcoming a new participant in Microsoft, determined to leverage these tech advances.

The recent slew of updates to Android Auto ushered in the integration of various apps, adding to the platform's versatility. From weather forecasts with the Weather Channel to streaming services like Prime Video and extending the professional front with Zoom and Webex, the line-up now delivers a multiplicity of functions. According to insights laid bare by TechRadar, nearly ten months after proclaiming its intentions, Microsoft reveals an approaching slot for Teams on Android Auto.

Microsoft Teams aficionados now have a brief window of time—precisely until next month—to savor undisturbed solitude in their vehicles. Microsoft points to February for the launch of an essential Teams iteration on Android Auto. Notably, this update will simplify joining meetings with a fresh calendar display and introduce a quick method to reach out to speed-dial contacts. While specifics of the update were sparse, the tenor of the update hints at moves made toward harmonizing with the iteration once rolled out for Apple CarPlay in 2021.

In its scant information dispatch, Microsoft did not dwell on text messaging capabilities for Teams within Android Auto—this remains a feature in the realm of CarPlay. And rightly so; there seems to be a consensus on discouraging screen-distracted driving. Therefore, while Microsoft Teams is known for video conferencing at its core, its translation into Android Auto may well unfold as an audio-centered conferencing app, though this remains an educated guess until confirmed by Microsoft.

Whether the integration of Teams into your vehicular routine is a boon or a bellwether of work creeping into every nook of life, it's worth noting the option to deactivate selected apps within Android Auto. The forthcoming Teams function promises streamlined meeting organization and facile communication avenues. Further, the collaboration between your device and the car will allow for an overview of recent calls made on the Android phone. So fasten up—as conferences and commutes are about to merge.